Bullet performance vs. velocity

[Maryland Hunter]

On my recent post "7.62X54R range results" I stated that I was using a 150 grain Hornady SST in my MN, and getting very good accuracy results. My question is this: with my starting loads, my velocity was only around 2100-2200. Would this bullet still perform well on whitetails at this low velocity? According to the charts, I still would have well over 1000 ft lbs at 200 yrds, and then some, but would the bullet expand properly? This setup would probably be used for 0-150 yards.
Thanks,
MH

[JBMauser]

I am not an expert on hunting loads but I can point out to you that the performance you have achieved is equal to or superior to many proven deer killers.  the 30/40 krag, the winchester centerfire 30/30 the 300 Savage come to mind.  I would say if it is accurate, you seem to have enough punch.  IMHO.  JB

[Questor]

Your best bet is to call the factory tech support people with a question like that. They'll ask you what the velocity is at 200 yards, and then tell you what velocity the bullet is made for.  Other than that, the only way to know is to try it yourself.

[Lone Star]

...the 30/40 krag, the winchester centerfire 30/30 the 300 Savage come to mind.  I would say if it is accurate, you seem to have enough punch....

But those cartridges are well known to have nice, soft bullets which expand well at their lower velocities.  According to the Hornady manual, the minimum muzzle velocity for the 150 SST bullet is 2700 fps.  Based upon that information, I'd say the SST is not a good bullet for your use.  The 150 Nosler Ballistic Tip however expands well on deer out to 200 yards at a MV of 2300 fps - I know this from personal experience.

[Mikey]

Maryland Hunter, your velocites are on the low end and do not compare with either the 30-30, 30-40 or 303 Savage.  The 30-30 throws a 150 gn bullet at near 2400'/sec, the others throw the same bullet at 2500'/sec or better.

I would not use the SST bullet at that velocity.  I would use a plain ol Hornaday 150 or 180 gn round nose soft point or if you want a slightly flatter nose, get the Hornaday bullet for the 30-30 in 170 gn.  You are simply not pushing your bullets to the speed required to use the SST bullet, but the plain ol Hornaday round noses will squarely do anything you want at the speeds you load.  However, a 180 gn rn at 21-2200'/sec would do even better and you would hardly feel it go off.  JMHO.  Mikey.

[Maryland Hunter]

Thanks for all of the replies.
I have plenty of room on the load data to work the load up to higher velocities, so it sounds like that's what I'll do. I was just wondering if it would work at the low end that I'm at, and judging from everyone's advice, it doesn't sound like it. Back to the bench.

Lone Star,
Where exactly did you find the minimum velocity rating in the Hornady manual? I looked it mine but couldn't locate it. That's the exact info I was looking for.

Thanks again

MH

[Cowpox]

In the front part of the manual, in the chapter on bullets, they have a chart depicting each bullet they offer in exact size. in the box with each bullet, they give bullet dimensions, a number that represents sectional density, and two velocity figures. The low figure represents the minimum velocity the bullet should be traveling when it reaches the target animal, to ensure the bullet will expand reliably. The high figure represents the highest velocity the bullet should be traveling when it reaches the target animal, to ensure the bullet doesn't come apart/shed the jacket, resulting in poor penetration.

[Maryland Hunter]

Found it. Thanks Cowpox.

MH

[Zeke Menuar]

Here is an excellent article on bullet performance.

http://www.seahook.com/bestbullet.jpg

ZM